PM Modi 'Most Loved, Popular, Vibrant & Visionary Leader' : SC Judge Justice MR Shah Says At Gujarat HC Event

Supreme Court judge Justice MR Shah termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi "our most popular, loved, vibrant and visionary leader", while speaking at a virtual function related to the release of a commemorative stamp on the occasion of the diamond jubilee of the Gujarat High Court.

"I am glad and feel proud & privileged to participate in this important function of release of commemorative stamp of Gujarat HC on completion of 60 years and that too by our most popular, loved, vibrant & visionary leader, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendabhai Modi", Justice Shah said while starting his address.

Justice Shah, who called Gujarat High Court his "karmabhoomi", then spoke about the importance of the Constitutional concept of separation of powers.

"One of the most important tenets of our Constitution is the separation of powers - division between the judiciary, executive and the legislature. These three wings are expected to operate in their respective earmarked fields. I am proud to say that Gujarat HC has always upheld its integrity and never crossed this Lakshman Rekha", he said.

He said with pride that Gujarat High Court, where he practiced for 22 years as an advocate and served as a judge for 14 years, has been "tireless" in protecting fundamental rights and has always stood for the independence of judiciary, even during the "dark days fo the Emergency".

He mentioned that the first Lok Adalat was organized in the country by the Gujarat High Court and that it is the only Court in the country which live-streams the virtual hearing proceedings in YouTube.

"Judiciary today stands as a beacon of truth and hope", he added.

"History of Gujarat High Court is too extensive and if I start narrating, it will consume the whole day. As we have to hear and listen to our most, loved, honourable, Prime Minister, I rest the matter there and wish good luck to all in the years to come", Justice Shah said while concluding his address.

In 2018, Justice Shah had called PM Modi his "model and hero", while speaking to the press when he was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.

Last year, Supreme Court judge Justice Arun Mishra had courted controversy by saying that "PM Modi was a versatile genius who thinks globally and acts locally", while speaking at a public function. The Supreme Court Bar Association had passed a resolution criticizing Justice Mishra's comments as 'reflecting poorly on judicial independence'.

Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court Vikram Nath said that the Prime Minister was highly popular due to his commitment to the country.

"Today we have got the opportunity wherein Honourable the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is releasing the Commemorative Postage Stamp. His uprightness in taking up the responsibilities has played an important role in the rise of his popularity. While taking up the duty towards nation, he has also fulfilled the pledge towards a secure world", CJ Vikram Nath said in his speech delivered in Hindi.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was also present at the virtual function of the Gujarat High Court, said that it was a "momentous and historical occasion" as the Prime Minister,  consented to participate in the event.

"Today is also a very memorable and historical occasion since the honourable Prime Minister, under whose vibrant leadership our great nation has already commenced its journey to become the Vishwaguru has kindly consented to be among us".

The SG said that the number of subordinate judges in Gujarat increased from 804 in 2000 to 1838 in 2014.

"In the year 2000, we only had 160 odd buildings housing the district judges and other subordinate courts. Between 2002-2004 only, the number of court buildings has increased to 294 and the journey continues with the same speed till date", the SG said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also spoke during the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that it was a matter of pride that the courts in India functioned effectively during the pandemic times embracing technology.

"Our Supreme Court became number one in the world in hearing cases through video-conferencing", the PM said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the need to use Artificial Intelligence technology, which can increase the speed and efficiency of judiciary.

"To make our justice system future-ready, we are also looking into AI-supported methods. This will not only better the efficiency of the judiciary, but also the speed. E-seva Kendras are being opened to close the digital divide and reduce burden on courts", he said.